GPN Delegation at Busworld 2025: Strengthening Our Cooperation for the Future of Coach
Global Passenger Network (GPN) proudly participated in Busworld 2025, held in Brussels from 6th to 8th October 2025.
As the world’s largest event for the bus and coach industry, Busworld once again provided an exceptional platform for GPN members and partners to connect, exchange insights, and shape the future of passenger transport together.
Continued Cooperation for the “Future of Coach”
This year marked another successful chapter in the cooperation between GPN and Busworld for the Conference “Future of Coach”, which gathered industry experts, manufacturers, and operators to discuss key topics defining the future of the coach sector — from digitalization and sustainability to driver shortages and passenger rights.
Several GPN representatives contributed as speakers and moderators, sharing their expertise and global perspectives across a wide range of sessions.
Highlights of the GPN Delegation at Busworld 2025
Over three days, the GPN delegation actively participated in conference sessions and visited the stands of GPN’s Strategic, Alliance, and Affiliate Partners, further strengthening collaboration across the network.
Monday, 6 October
The first day began with the Busworld Conferences Opening Session on Market overview and trends in the European bus and coach market, followed by visits to the stands of Fortal, WiiBus, and Daimler.
GPN representatives contributed to several “Future of Coach” sessions, including:
- Future proof drive and rest time rules – Luis Pedrero (GPN Spain | Cartour)
- Technologies and collaborative strategies for enforcement – Keith McDonnell (GPN Ireland | EI Travel Group)
- The role of coach in tourism concepts of the future – Paul Blaguss (GPN Austria & Slovakia | Blaguss) with Catriona Walsh (OSD-GPN Partner) as panelist
- Passenger rights in coach tourism – Agnes Pastuszak (GPN Poland | TPO Pastuszak)
- Strategies to fight driver shortage – Paul Cremers (GPN Belgium | Staf Cars)
- Models for subcontracting with integrators – moderated by Mark Anderson (GPN UK | Anderson Travel) with Richard Kirk (First Travel Solutions-GPN Partner) as speakers.
The day concluded with a dinner hosted by DAF Trucks, GPN Strategic Partner.
Tuesday, 7 October
On the second day, the delegation visited DAF and Higer, both GPN Strategic Partners, before continuing participation in the “Future of Coach” conference.
GPN members contributed to discussions on:
- Collaboration between coach operators and OTAs – Miha Tavcar (GPN Slovenia | Nomago)
- Trends in design and infotainment – Mark Anderson (GPN UK | Anderson Travel)
- Fleet management and opex reduction – Bjorn Ragnarsson (GPN Iceland | Icelandia)
- Access to cities for coaches – Rogier Staal (GPN Netherlands | Royal Oostenrijk Group)
- Decarbonizing long haul & interurban routes – Rogier Staal (GPN Netherlands | Royal Oostenrijk Group)
Many members also joined the Networking Dinner hosted by Busworld, offering further opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
Wednesday, 8 October
The final day included visits to the stands of Adastec and Scania, both GPN Partners, where the delegation explored the latest innovations in automation, safety, and sustainable mobility.
A Shared Commitment to the Future of the Industry
The cooperation between GPN and Busworld once again demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing the global coach industry — promoting innovation, sustainability, and meaningful collaboration among key stakeholders.
GPN extends its gratitude to all members and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s participation, and to Arthur Pellemans from DAF Trucks for organizing a memorable dinner event for the GPN delegation.
Together, we continue to drive the Future of Coach forward.
